Everyone
wonders how Jesus Christ spent his youth, where he got his middle name,
how he became such a Lamb of God. Also, did he learn judo? Could he
teach an elephant yoga? And why did he walk straight into the lion's
den?

This book is Christopher Moore
at his best — but it's not typical Moore. Usually he has me rolling on
the floor in side-splitting laughter — and with this book, from time to
time, I had to pick myself up off the floor. But not as often as I
expected. Thank heavens. (So to speak.)

I liked all of
the characters. Joshua needed a friend like Biff, and Biff needed
friends like Maggie, Bartholomew, Joy... all likeable, all plausible. I
still don't get how Joshua learned everything he learned, but I think
Moore put together the book for a couple of lines. (You'll know them
when you see them.)

The story was interesting,
compelling and surprising. Even those who are familiar with the Gospels
will find a few surprises here. I never will think of Mary's washing of
Jesus' feet with oils the same way. Meeting each of the disciples as
individuals with his own quirks, seeing how women fit into Joshua's
original program, made me want to do what Newsweek suggested (and Thomas Jefferson already did): listen to the words of the Son.

Sacre Bleu is on my summer reading list — haven't quite gotten there yet! I have yet to find a book of his I didn't like. He has a few recurring characters/elements (such as Pine Cove, death merchants and bloodsuckers). Wikipedia calls Moore an "absurdist" — and I agree!